Modern rockabilly fashion style hails from the 50's "rockabilly scene" which, in turn, has its roots in rock 'n' roll music -- simple, loud, fast, emotionally-direct rock music from rebellious artists such as Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash.
An underground rockabilly music revival started in the 70's and broke into mainstream rock in the 80's. It recently became popular again, ushered in by the swing dancing revival of the past several years. To give you a flavor of therockabilly music genre, think Stray Cats, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, The Reverend Horton Heat, Trick Pony, and the Royal Crown Revue.
The rockabilly scene started in the 50's but, the message is timeless: "rebellion, sexuality, and freedom - a sneering expression of disdain for the workaday world, parents and authority figures...(It is) a cultural revolution that is still reverberating today." [Wikipedia]
Women's rockabilly fashions are as popular today as ever, inspired by bad girl pinup models of the 50's, such as Bettie Page. Modern-day Rockabilly Gals don animal prints, horn-rimmed sunglasses, fishnet stockings, tight jeans, capris, or short shorts. These days, you're also likely to see arockabilly pinup girl decorated in tattoos.
Hair is also a key ingredient of the over-all look: Up do's with curls and bangs are very common. These hairstyles are often adorned with floral hair clips and combs.
Platform shoes with bows and vintage-style peep toe pumps are de rigeur for the rockabilly gal.
Top designers and brands in the rockabilly fashion scene include Stop Staring!, Mode Merr, Rock Steady by Steady Clothing, Lucky 13, Paper Doll Productions, E.C. Star Clothing, Lucy B Lingerie, in addition to countless of smaller, indie, DIY rockabilly, psychobilly, gothabilly pinup style designers.
Rockabilly Culture article by Tatyana
